Futevolei

     So when soccer crazed fans clash with Brazil's other obsession, hanging out on the beach soaking up the sun, what does a Cariocas (a citizen of Rio de Janeiro) do?  You create a new sport, Futevolei and everybody is happy.

     Soccer is a complete obsession for the Brazilian people.  They eat and breath and sleep soccer.  Go to the Maracana, the largest stadium in the world, and you can see first hand how obsessed this nation truly is.  Seeing over 200,000 screaming, dancing, chanting and partying fans in fulforce is a site like nothing else out there!  When the World Cup is on, the whole country of 191 million people comes to a screeching halt, everyone is glued to the nearest TV.  In fact, the next World Cup takes place here in Rio de Janeiro in 2014 and you can tell, with all of the renovations and advertisements throughout the city.  When you travel to Brazil, you cannot help but be bombarded by soccer and it's great players.  They are everywhere.  From beer commericals, to talk shows, to ads for shaving cream.  You simply cannot miss the latest and greatest soccer celebrity hocking products to the masses or soaking up their stardom.  Why all the buzz for this sport.  Well, besides the fact that Brazil has won more world cup titles than any other country (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002), it is a sport that transcends economic classes.  It does not matter if you are raised in a multimillion dollar mansion in Buzios or are from one of the favelas (extremely poor shanty towns) in Sao Paulo.  With hard work and determination, any kid can become a futebol legend in this country. 

     Thus, throughout Brazil, everyone plays the game.  Young and old, rich and poor, boys and girls.  They play in soccer fields, in parking lots, just about anywhere they can.  In the 1960's soccer fans began to take up too much of the precious sand on Copacobana beach and were banned from playing it during the day.  So innovative Cariocas started to play volleyball, the second most popular sport on the beach, but they added a twist, they refused to use their hands.  The players could only use their feet, chest, head, and knees to get the ball over the net.  This new sport of futevolei quickly gained favor with locals and is now one of the most popular activities for Cariocas to do.  Futevolei is played up and down Ipanema and Copacabana beaches and one of the most fast paced and exciting sports you will ever watch.  So, if you ever get to Rio de Janeiro, head to the beach, grab a local beer (Brahma is great) or a coconut and check out a match.  You will have a very exciting and memorable time!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNcSmEi2b78&feature=related

http://www.futevolei.com.br/